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Sophisticated English for Global Souls
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10
DEC
2014

Ask Why Your Students Want to Learn English

“Well begun is half done.” Ancient Greek proverb Sometimes we forget the most basic questions. What brings the students in your English class into the room? Are they fulfilling school requirements, pursuing academic achievements, or creating new possibilities? How do...
09
JUL
2014

Reflections from Fourth of July, Independence Day

Source: Wikipedia Commons Drawing inspiration from the American holiday “I have sworn upon the altar of god eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.” ―Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), Principal author of the Declaration of Independence and Third U.S....
08
JUN
2011

Ask Your English Students to Review TED.Com videos – and Create Compelling Conversations

How can you encourage your advanced ESL students to develop their speaking skills and tap their interest in our rapidly changing world? Create compelling classroom assignments that respect their intelligence, engage their curiosity, and model great speaking skills. Let your...
07
JUN
2009

Do You Really Use Youtube in Your EFL Classes? How?

I slightly edit the reviews, watch the videos and add my own comments in blue ink, and combine the reviews into a single document that is emailed to all class members. "Use or lose" I say, but here are the reviews from your classmates. Result: almost every student watches every...
19
APR
2009

Teaching Themes Emerge at CATESOL: Use Technology To Meet Student Needs

Several other CATESOL presenters also lead workshops and shared materials and techniques to incorporate the internet, radio, and other authentic materials into ESL classrooms. While few other presenters used the word “democratic”, many other ESL professionals noted the need to be...
07
NOV
2008

Let’s Talk About the American Elections, Voting, and Democratic Values in English Class

Who makes the rules? Who chooses the rulers? Can citizens peacefully replace ineffective, unpopular leaders? Yes, we can! In the United States of America, voters enjoyed their opportunity to hire and fire their President. People voted, machines counted the votes, and millions of...
27
OCT
2008

How democratic is your ESL classroom?

Who gets to speak in class? Whose ideas count? Who chooses the assignments? How do students receive feedback? Do students have a chance to conference with their instructors? Can YouTube be a valuable source for homework assignment? Do you want your students to become...
15
JUN
2008

Why not create a culturally sensitive Compelling Conversations?

Why I chose not to censor Compelling Conversations to increase accessibility “Only the educated are free.” Epictetus (55-135), Greek philosopher Many English teachers have asked if I plan a “culturally sensitive” version so Compelling Conversations can be used in more...